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After returning to his dormitory, Luke gently set aside the sleeping frog resting on his bed and began pondering his next steps. He realized the need for overall improvement, particularly in magic spells and potion-making, and refining potions seemed like the most profitable avenue.
Furthermore, the materials required for potion-making could often be found in forbidden areas, and with his current capabilities, sneaking around Hagrid and venturing into the Forbidden Forest was a relatively easy task.
However, Luke recognized that his knowledge was limited at this point. While he knew the basic methods, he lacked the specific formulas and dosages required for potion-making.
"It seems like it's time to seek out Professor Snape and study diligently," he thought.
Snape was renowned for his expertise in teaching wizards about potions, and Luke believed that his Slytherin background could provide valuable insights.
With a clear goal in mind, Luke engaged in a brief game with his dormitory companions and retired early to bed around two in the morning, mainly because Slytherin had no classes scheduled for the following morning.
On the second day, Luke knocked on the door to Professor Snape's office. Since Gryffindor had Herbology lessons that morning, Hermione didn't accompany him.
However, after breakfast, when they parted ways, Hermione was also inspired to study with Professor Snape. Luke's dedication motivated her to work equally hard.
Luke's outstanding performance in all his classes had earned him praise from all the professors. Even Professor Flitwick, who didn't teach magic spells to Slytherin, mentioned Luke's name to the Gryffindors.
The Gryffindors who knew Luke were taken aback by this.
....
With a polite knock on the door, it opened, revealing the familiar surroundings of Professor Snape's office.
"Come in, Luke," Snape's typically cold voice sounded somewhat calmer this time, causing Luke to briefly question his hearing.
However, he was in the right place. After confirming the sign on the door, Luke confidently stepped inside.
"Good morning, Professor Snape," he greeted with a nod, getting straight to the point. Luke wasn't one to beat around the bush.
He knew that Professor Snape wouldn't refuse him, especially considering Luke's Slytherin affiliation and remarkable talent in Potions.
In the face of such a dedicated student, Snape couldn't turn him away. Luke's prowess in Potions class demonstrated his potential.
Talent was essential in every discipline, including Potions. While some disciplines, like Divination and magic, required a special kind of talent, others, such as Potions, demanded dedication and meticulous attention to detail. Luke's ability to master ingredients, quantities, and timing right from the start showed his extraordinary control.
Only Luke himself knew that he relied on his formidable magical control to sense the cauldron's transformations, a skill he had acquired with the help of Hermione's notes.
He didn't possess any innate talent for Potions.
"Wait a moment," Snape interjected, walking into his office. After a short while, he returned with an old-looking book and handed it to Luke.
"Here's a note from my own school days. It might prove useful to you."
"Thank you, Professor," Luke replied gratefully, accepting the book.
"If you encounter any difficulties, don't hesitate to seek me out," Snape offered.
"Whether it's potions, spells, or... matters of the heart."
Before Luke could react, Professor Snape waved his wand, causing the door to slam shut.
Luke was a bit puzzled by what Professor Snape had just said, but he quickly turned his attention back to the book full of notes in his hand.
Why dwell on it? Instead, he should focus on his studies.
As he made his way to the library, he couldn't help but glance at the book's beautiful pages, filled with detailed annotations and new ideas that he could never have imagined.
The book's owner was known as the Half-Blood Prince. Luke couldn't help but wonder about Snape's involvement in how Harry was able to get this book.
Meanwhile, in a herbology class, Harry sneezed suddenly, causing one of the plants in his hand to plummet to the ground. The plant let out a deafening cry, sending shockwaves through the herbology classroom.
"Harry, what on earth are you doing?"
"My ears are ringing!"
"I'm sorry, Professor!"
"Two points from Gryffindor!"
"Don't deduct points, please! Gryffindor is already in the negative!"
The herbology classroom erupted into chaos.
In the afternoon, Hermione, who seemed lost in thought, slouched at the dining table, her head resting on her arms.
Fortunately, the table was cleaned daily by house-elves, so there weren't too many stains.
"What's bothering you?"
Setting aside the notes he was reading, Luke turned to Hermione with a curious expression.
Hermione had never seen her so dispirited; it was a rare sight indeed.
"Mandrakes, they screamed so loudly."
Recalling the ear-piercing cries of the mandrakes, Hermione shuddered, even with her earmuffs on.
"Mandrakes? I thought changing their soil was straightforward."
Luke was baffled, as the Slytherin and Ravenclaw students had succeeded without any issues.
Why were Gryffindor students making a fuss?
"No, it's because of Harry…"
Before Hermione could explain further, a disheartened Harry and Ronald approached.
"Good afternoon, Luke."
"Uh, good afternoon, Harry," Ronald replied, slightly absentminded.
"No, my name is Luke, not Ronald!" Harry emphasized.
"Well, you know my ears aren't functioning properly," Ronald explained, patting his ear and nodding to Luke.
"Good afternoon to both of you," Luke replied.
"Is that notebook yours?" Hermione asked, surprised.
"Can I take a look?" She seemed keenly interested in Professor Snape's notes, recognizing their significance due to Snape's status as a brilliant wizard in recent years.
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